Last call at the Doug Fir 🌲

$800K Payment for Excessive Force

A federal judge has ordered the city of Portland to pay eight civil rights attorneys nearly $800,000 in fees and costs related to a lawsuit over the city’s use of excessive force during the 2020 protests. The city previously had to pay Don’t Shoot Portland and five individual plaintiffs $250,000. The Portland Police Bureau is also under an injunction that bars them from using an alarming list of crowd control devices, including tear gas and long-range acoustic devices. [Oregonian 🔒]

Pok Pok Star Chef Opens in SF

The Michelin star-winning chef Andy Ricker, best known for his Pok Pok empire, has opened a new restaurant in the Bay area. But Portland’s not missing out on too much there: It has only four items on the menu and is only takeout and delivery. Ricker moved to Thailand and closed the last Pok Pok in 2020. [SF Gate]

Why Gas Costs More in Oregon

Our taxes on gas are higher here than in some states, but that doesn’t explain the cost of fuel in Oregon. The gas taxes go straight into roads, so drivers get their money’s worth. Instead, it’s more directly related to the fact that there’s less refinery capacity on the West Coast than in other parts of the country. Gas also has to travel farther, and state environmental protections increase costs. [KGW]

Doug Fir Closes This Week

It’s the end of an era for an iconic Portland venue. The Doug Fir will close its doors on East Burnside for a move to a different spot. What’s ahead? [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Today, some excellent recommendations to add to last week’s guide to Inner Northeast Broadway:

“Milo's City Cafe. A Northeast Broadway institution. One of the only businesses that didn't oppose a proposal to rename Northeast Broadway to Cesar Chavez back in days of city squabbling over what street to rename. Elmer's Flags. IYKYK.” — Charles Hudson

Pulse Wellness Cooperative: “We moved in on 9/1 next to Pets on Broadway. We provide counseling, consulting and trainings on wellness, and ways to manage mental health needs. And, while we are great, you forgot Coco Donuts.” — Rosanne Marmor

Thanks for all those! I also forgot to mention one of my absolute favorites: Hilary Horvath Flowers.

What are your favorite neighborhood spots? I’d love to hear from you.

🌌 OMSI After Dark: Forest & Flannel | Wednesday | 6 - 10 p.m.

You’re invited to dig out your flannel and enjoy the kid-oriented science museum with others old enough to buy beer. [$25, Central Eastside]

📖 The ‘Unreliable Narrator’ Book Tour Featuring Mostly Standup | Thursday | 8 p.m.

Comedian, actor, and writer Aparna Nancherla is out with a new book this month on being, uh, modest and shy. The book and a book signing are included with a VIP ticket. You may know her from recent appearances on TV — “The Drop,” “Lopez Vs. Lopez,” “Search Party,” and “Space Force.” [$38.08+, Brooklyn]

🌽 The Maize | Ongoing | Various

It’s time for a new season of events. The Pumpkin Patch’s corn maze has opened. Catch it before it gets any wetter. [$10, Sauvie Island]

What’s Next for Portland’s Iconic Doug Fir Lounge

After nearly 20 years of shows on East Burnside, the Doug Fir Lounge will be shutting down at the end of this week. It’s a move, not a closure, but it’s still the end of an era of the iconic music venue. So today on City Cast Portland we’re talking with Annie Ostrowski, director of marketing for the Doug Fir. She’s telling us about what we can expect from the new location and why we should be excited.